Lawmakers Say New Law Will Speed Border Crossing

New York U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as Northern New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, have announced the passage of a bill they say would save hours of delays at Northern Border crossings.

The Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act of 2016 would expand U.S. jurisdiction over the American Customs and Border Protection agents operating in Canada.

That would allow government workers to pre-clear passengers for entry into New York on Amtrak’s Adirondack line from Montreal.

Currently, passengers on the line are stopped at the border while CBP clears the entire train, which the lawmakers say is a long and arduous process.

They say the improvements will boost tourism opportunities for businesses in New York.

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